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Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Reform UK) on Friday, 23 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 27 January 2026. It was answered by Dan Jarvis (Labour) on Friday, 30 January 2026 on behalf of the Home Office.

Animal Experiments: Shellfish

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she plans to phase out the use of crustaceans in scientific experimentation.

Answer

The Government is committed to non-animal alternatives in science and has published a strategy which sets out our long-term vision for a world where the use of animals in science is eliminated in all but exceptional circumstances. The strategy is available at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/replacing-animals-in-science-strategy/replacing-animals-in-science-a-strategy-to-support-the-development-validation-and-uptake-of-alternative-methods

The strategy does not preclude the development of alternatives to the use of animal species not currently covered by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) protections, including decapod crustaceans.

The Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022 recognised decapod crustaceans as sentient beings. The Government remains committed to an evidence-based and proportionate approach to setting welfare standards for decapod crustaceans, both for those caught for human consumption and those used in scientific research.

The Home Office is carefully considering next steps, in collaboration with other relevant departments, on whether decapod crustaceans should be brought within the scope of ASPA.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
107977
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Animal welfare Animal experiments Shellfish
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk